Welcome to the Watersheds Canada Resource Library!
Here you will find a comprehensive collection of free educational resources dedicated to helping rural shoreline property owners, families, municipalities, lake groups, and educators protect their lakes and restore natural habitat. Explore guides, best practices, case studies, lesson plans, and tools to become a freshwater protector. All resources are freely shareable so please include them in a newsletter, on social media, or printed for a community booth!
Funding support thanks to Peterborough K.M. Hunter Charitable Foundation, and S.M. Blair Family Foundation.
Watersheds Canada lesson 4 – DIY Shoreland Assessment lesson plan
Freshwater habitat and water quality are explored through field observations and research, highlighting the impacts of human activities on the environment and the importance of local actions to improve water quality. Shoreland assessments are used to evaluate the health and resilience of shorelands, identifying negative and healthy features and providing guidance on next steps and resources for further assessment. The collection focuses on building confidence and capacity to assess and protect freshwater habitat and water quality, empowering individuals to take local actions to address freshwater issues in their community. By understanding the impacts of development and human activities, users can develop effective strategies to enhance and protect freshwater resources.
Watersheds Canadas Shoreland and Freshwater Multimedia Experience handout
The document provides lesson plans and activity sheets for middle and high school students to learn about freshwater protection. It also includes a video lesson for adults and students on the impacts of development on freshwater resources. Watersheds Canada is involved in various activities, including a workshop and native seed kits for kids. The organization is also participating in the 'Wonders of Wetlands' event to promote water stewardship among local students.
Watersheds Canada weaves a web on World Water Day
Explore the connectivity found both in our freshwater systems and in the organizations that help manage them in this blog post. A celebration of World Water Day, this blog discusses how these groups determine the scope of their work, what a watershed is and how such a large area can be managed, and where Watersheds Canada fills the gaps in what is needed.
Water Soldier Eradication Efforts in Ontario webinar with Robert McGowan
This is a handout from our webinar, "Water soldier (Stratiotes aloides) Eradication Efforts in Ontario". The document discusses the eradication efforts of the invasive aquatic plant Water Soldier in Ontario. It explains how to help prevent its spread, including using the 'Clean Drain Dry' method, disposing of it on land, and reporting sightings. The document also provides information on the Water Soldier Working Group's monitoring projects and grant opportunities. Additionally, it includes identification and biology information about Water Soldier, as well as a management plan to prevent its introduction and spread in Ontario.
Water, Water Everywhere!
After the drought in 2016, which saw hot summer days and very little precipitation, the change in the following year was resounding. 2017 brought intense precipitation and a variety of changes for our freshwater, from increases in our mosquito and black fly populations to explosions in the growth of native species. This personal reflection from Melissa Dakers tells of this time, and ties in the changes she saw to what the implications were for waterfront property owners.
Western Chorus Frog: A Captivating New Voice in the Conservation Song
Despite only reaching up to 2.5cm long and weighing 1g when fully grown, the Western Chorus Frog has been making headlines recently. This is because their Great Lakes/St. Lawrence – Canadian Shield (GLSLCS) population has been facing ongoing threats as a result of increased residential, commercial, and industrial developments. Read this blog post to learn about the sweeping impact of the conversation around this species, and how Watersheds Canada is working towards preserving this species and countless others through our programs.
Wetlands: How Marshes and Swamps Can Save the World
The conservation of wetland ecosystems is important for so many reasons. Not only do wetlands provide critical habitat for countless native species, but they even help mitigate the effects of climate change. Learn about the value of these beautiful and often misunderstood ecosystems in this blog post!
Wetlands, Waterways, and Waterbirds: The Boreal Connection webinar with Natasha Barlow
This is a handout from our webinar, "Wetlands, Waterways, and Waterbirds: The Boreal Connection". The document provides tips on how to help Boreal birds by restoring shorelines, removing invasive species, and practicing safe boating techniques. It also introduces the Greater Yellowlegs, a bird species that breeds in northern Canada and can overwinter in South America. The document highlights the importance of freshwater in the Boreal biome and encourages readers to join the Freshwater Stewardship Community. Additionally, it provides information on the Boreal biome and its ecological significance.
What Could I Bring On My Adventure
This document is an introduction to water testing and provides a list of items to bring on an adventure. It includes a water quality test kit, thermometer, test strips, guides, notebook, binoculars, collection jar, net, and identification guides. The purpose is to help users learn about local nature and biodiversity. Users are encouraged to write down their findings, draw, and take notes while outside.